Methods For A Free Game Feature Having Progressive Awards

ABSTRACT

A method for operating a game of chance comprises the steps: initiating a base game by a player; triggering a feature mode from the base game upon the occurrence of a first triggering event, wherein a first number of feature games are provided in the feature mode; playing the feature games in the feature mode, wherein each of the feature games has an opportunity to win a progressive award; and returning to the base game upon the termination of the feature games.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to gaming machines, and, in particular, tomethods for a free game feature of a gaming machine, where the free gamefeature offers the possibility of winning progressive awards.

BACKGROUND

Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and thelike, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years.Generally, the popularity of such machines with players depends on thelikelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at these machinesand the intrinsic entertainment value of these machines relative toother available gaming options. Players are most likely to be attractedto the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operatorsconsequently strive to employ the most entertaining and excitingmachines available because such machines attract frequent plays andhence increase profitability for the operator. Accordingly, in thecompetitive gaming machine industry, there is a continuing need forgaming machine manufacturers to produce new types of games, orenhancements to existing games, which will attract frequent plays byenhancing the entertainment value and excitement associated with thegames.

One concept which has been successfully employed to enhance theentertainment value of a game is the concept of a “free” or “bonus” gamewhich may be played in conjunction with a “base” game. The free game maycomprise any type of game, either similar to or completely differentfrom the base game, which is triggered upon the occurrence of a selectedevent or outcome of the base game. The free game is entered upon theappearance of a special symbol combination on the reels of the slotmachine in the base game. One of the allures of the free game is thatthe player can play the free game to win an award without the risk oflosing money since an additional wager is not needed to play the freegame.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical slot machine. A typical slot machine 10 canhave a display 14 for viewing motor-operated reels or video graphicreels. Furthermore, the slot machine 10 can have a lever 12 forinitiating play (e.g., initiating a base game or initiating a free gameof the slot machine 10). Alternatively, the slot machine 10 may have oneor more buttons (not shown) on the slot machine 10 for initiating play.

FIG. 2 illustrates a display of a slot machine having three pay linesand three display windows. A display 16 can have display windows 20, 22,and 24, where each display window displays three symbols for one of thereels. Three pay lines 30, 32, and 34 intersect the display of thesethree symbols. If a winning combination of symbols is intersected alongone of the pay lines, then the player is given an award. The pay lines30, 32, and 34 can be activated according to the base game and a wageredamount.

The base game can comprise of matching a number of base symbols (whichcan be referred to as symbols) to a winning sequence. If a specialcombination of symbols, e.g., such as three bonus symbols, is drawn,then free game may be initiated. The free game can be played using thesame reels and in the same game format. Additionally, a free game may beplayed on a different display or format, where the free game may havedifferent rules from the base game.

Generally, the expectation of winning coins or credits in the free gameis much greater than that of the base game. Such a free game produces asignificantly higher level of player excitement than the base gamebecause it provides a greater expectation of winning than the base gameand is accompanied with more attractive or unusual video displays and/oraudio.

Another concept which has been successfully employed to enhance theentertainment value of a game is the concept of progressive awards.Progressive awards can be accumulated by either a standalone machine ortwo or more slot machines linked together. A portion of each wager madeon the one or more slot machines contribute to a common pool of one ormore jackpots (e.g., tiers or levels).

Various gaming methods can be used to win a progressive award, e.g., amystery jackpot method, a symbol driven method, or a hybrid progressiveaward method.

With respect to a mystery jackpot, the mystery jackpot gaming method canhave a lower limit and an upper limit defined. A random number generator(“RNG”) draws a dollar amount between the two ranges. Since a percentageof each wager is contributed to the progressive award, a player wins theprogressive award when the progressive award reaches the randomlygenerated dollar amount due to the player's wager. Thus, when the playerdeposits a “coin” that matches the predetermined jackpot value, thenthat player wins the progressive award. Generally, the slot machinesstate the range of the jackpot value that is guaranteed to be paid out.

Symbol driven progressive awards are won when a player draws a specificsymbol combination on a gaming machine. For instance, if three winningsymbols are drawn, then the player can win a progressive award.

For symbol driven progressive awards and for hybrid progressive awards,on any given handle pull, a determination is made as to whether or not aplayer has won a progressive award. Prior to winning, no indication isgiven to player. Progressive awards are paid out based on probabilitiesthat over time will average out to the desired pay values per award.

Because the free game concept and progressive awards offer tremendousadvantages in player appeal and excitement relative to other knowngames, and because such games are attractive to both players andoperators, there is a continuing need to develop new types of games tosatisfy the demands of players and operators. Preferably, such new gameswill maintain, or even further enhance, the level of player excitementoffered by free games heretofore known in the art. Therefore, thereexists a need to further implement new games for enticing and satisfyingplayer's needs. In particular, it is of great need to merge the freegame concept with a progressive award concept to further attract andentertain players.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide methods for operating a gamingmachine where progressive awards are won in a free game feature.

Another object of this invention is to provide methods for operating agaming machine where a player has multiple opportunities to winprogressive awards in a game feature and where the probability ofwinning the progressive awards is a function of the amount of the wager.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide methods for operatinga gaming machine where a player is eligible to win multiple progressiveawards within a single free game feature mode.

Furthermore, another object of this invention is to provide methods foroperating a gaming machine where unique progressive triggering symbolsare added to a free game feature and can be substituted for corollaryhierarchical symbols.

Even more so, another object of this invention is to provide methods foroperating a gaming machine where progressive awards and base pay-tableawards can be won in a free game feature mode.

Briefly, a method for operating a game of chance comprises the steps:initiating a base game by a player; triggering a feature mode from thebase game upon the occurrence of a first triggering event, wherein anumber of feature games are provided in the feature mode; playing thefeature games in the feature mode, wherein each of the feature games hasan opportunity to win a progressive award; and returning to the basegame upon the termination of the feature games.

An advantage of this invention is that methods are provided foroperating a gaming machine, where progressive awards are won in a freegame feature.

Another advantage of this invention is that methods are provided foroperating a gaming machine where a player has multiple opportunities towin progressive awards in a free game feature and where the probabilityof winning the progressive award is a function of the amount of thewager.

Yet another advantage of this invention is that methods are provided foroperating a gaming machine where a player is eligible to win multipleprogressive awards within a single free game feature mode.

Furthermore, another advantage of this invention is that methods areprovided for operating a gaming machine where unique progressivetriggering symbols are added to a game feature and can be substitutedfor corollary hierarchical symbols.

Even more so, another advantage of this invention is that methods areprovided for operating a gaming machine where progressive awards andbase pay-table awards can be won in a free game feature mode.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects, and advantages of theinvention will be better understood from the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiment of the invention when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a slot machine.

FIG. 2 illustrates a display of a slot machine having three pay linesand three display windows.

FIG. 3 illustrates a linked system of slot machines for earningprogressive awards.

FIG. 4 illustrates a display of a slot machine having five pay lines andfive display windows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A symbol driven progressive award gaming system is disclosed, wherebyone or more tiers of progressive awards can be won inside a feature modewhere one or more feature games (e.g., a free game or a bonus game) maybe played. During the play of a feature game such as a free game, otherfree games can be awarded in addition to the possibility of winning anaward based on a pay table for the base game or based on a progressiveaward pay table.

Generally, a base game comprises a wager and subsequent outcomes. Afeature mode can be an event that occurs as a result of one or moreoutcomes whereby the player is awarded an opportunity to win awardswithout wagering additional cash or credits. Furthermore, the base gamecan have a base game pay table for listing winning combinations andsequences and the amount of the award.

As stated earlier, progressive awards can be accumulated by either astandalone machine or two or more slot machines linked together. Aportion of each wager made on the one or more slot machines contributeto a common pool of one or more jackpots (e.g., progressive tiers orprogressive levels).

FIG. 3 illustrates a linked system of slot machines for earningprogressive awards. Several slot machines can be connected to a linkedgaming system. The gaming system can track the amount of the progressiveawards and determine when the progressive awards are won. Theprogressive award can be won during the feature game of the base gameand can be dependent on the wager placed in the base game.

The feature mode (to play the feature games, e.g. free games) can betriggered by one or more triggering symbols. When the triggering symbolsare drawn, then a feature game (in the feature mode) can be initiated,wherein a progressive award can be earned by the player.

Each spin of the reels can possibly win at any of the progressive payout levels, such that N number of free games can have N number ofchances to win at any progressive level. For instance, if the playertriggers three feature games (e.g. free games) from the base game, thenthe player has the opportunity to win at the progressive level threetimes. Furthermore, more feature games (e.g. free games) can betriggered while playing at the progressive level, thus adding additionalfree games to the total number of free games remaining to be played.Winning free games during the free game feature (or progressive level)can be referred to as retriggering. Once a progressive award is won,then the progressive award can be reset.

FIG. 4 illustrates a display of a slot machine having five pay lines andfive display windows. A display 40 of a slot machine can have fivedisplay windows 44, 46, 48, 50, and 52, where each display windowdisplays five symbols from one of the reels. A first reel can beassociated and displayed on the display window 44. A second reel can beassociated and displayed on the display window 46. A third reel, afourth reel, and a fifth reel can also be associated and displayed onthe display windows 48, 50, and 52 in a similar manner. Five pay lines54, 56, 58, 60, and 62 intersect the five symbols of each of the displaywindows 44, 46, 48, 50, and 52. The pay lines 54, 56, 58, 60, and 62 canbe activated according to the wagered amount.

It can be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art thatthe number of reels, display windows, and pay lines can vary dependingon the design parameters of the slot machine. To aid in theunderstanding of the invention, the disclosure may use a slot machinehaving five reels, five windows, and five pay lines in describing theinvention. However, it is understood that the present invention can beapplied to any number of reels, any number of windows, and any number ofpay lines. Furthermore, each display window can display a predefinednumber of symbols for one of the reels.

The present invention can also apply to a mechanical display and a videodisplay. In addition, the video display slot machine may not have alever, display windows, reels and/or other physical components that aretypically associated with a mechanical display slot machine.

If the base game triggering symbols (which can be denoted TS1, TS2, TS3,and so forth to TSN) are drawn, then the feature mode for playing thefeature games (e.g. free games) can be triggered. The number oftriggering symbols and the sequence of the triggering symbols can bedesigned in various combinations to trigger the free game feature. Forinstance, a free game feature can be triggered by matching thetriggering symbol TS1 on three consecutive reels. Alternatively, a freegame feature can be triggered by requiring a specific sequence ofsymbols be drawn. An example of a specific sequence of symbols can bewhere the triggering symbol TS1 is on the first reel, the triggeringsymbol TS2 is on the second reel, the triggering symbol TS3 is on thethird reel, the triggering symbol TS4 is on the fourth reel, and thetriggering symbol TS5 is on the fifth reel. Thus, if the triggeringsymbol TS1 is not on the first reel, but the triggering symbols TS2,TS3, TS4, and TS5 are on the second, third, fourth, and fifth reels,respectively, then the free game feature would not be triggered.

Once the free game feature has been triggered, a number of feature games(e.g. free games) are allotted to the player (e.g., 12 free games). Thenumber of feature games can be randomly generated or predefined. In thefree game feature, the reels may automatically draw consecutive freegames for the player without any further player interaction. Each drawcan win a base game award, a progressive award, and/or additional freegames. As soon as the reels resolve a draw, any earnings awarded aretallied to a total award for that free game feature. Once all the freegames are exhausted, the total award (if any) is credited to the player,and the base game resumes.

The number of feature games (e.g. free games) earned during one draw ofa base game or a free game can be dependent on the design parameters ofthe slot machine and on the number and sequence of triggering symbols.For instance, if three identical triggering symbols are drawn, thenthree free games can be awarded. If there are four identical triggeringsymbols drawn, then ten free games can be awarded. Thus a tiered systemcan be implemented for awarding the free games, where the moretriggering symbols that are matched (either by number or sequence), themore free games are awarded to the player. Furthermore, if a specificsequence of triggering symbols can also be awarded a predefined numberof free games. For instance, twelve free games can be awarded when thetriggering symbols TS1, TS2, and TS3 are on the first three reels,respectively.

Once a player has triggered the feature mode to play the feature games,the player gets a number, N, opportunities to win one or more symboldriven progressive awards. In addition to having a chance to win theprogressive awards, the player can win a fixed value from the pay tableof the base game.

There can be multiple pay out levels depending on the initial wager inthe base game and depending on the rules of the slot machine. The gameplay for a free game can be the same as the base game, an entirelydifferent game than the base game, or a variation of the base game.

In a variation of the base game, the aesthetics of the game may change,e.g., the background may change or symbols may change. Additionally,more symbols (e.g., progressive symbols) can be added and a “sweetener”can be included such that the pay table awards are paid out at a highervalue.

For instance, Table 1 illustrates a sample pay table that states the paylevels (e.g., grand, major, minor, and mini) and the combinations ofsymbols needed to win an award.

TABLE 1 Pay Out Level Base Game Award Free Game Award Grand Five S1pSymbols Grand Progressive Award Five S1 Symbols 5000 Five S1 and S1pSymbols 5000 Four S1 Symbols 1000 Four S1 and S1p Symbols 1000 Three S1Symbols 100 Three S1 and S1p Symbols 100 Major Five S2p Symbols MajorProgressive Award Five S2 Symbols 700 Five S2 and S2p Symbols 700 FourS2 Symbols 150 Four S2 and S2p Symbols 150 Three S2 Symbols 30 Three S2and S2p Symbols 30 Minor Five S3p Symbols Minor Progressive Award FiveS3 Symbols 500 Five S3 and S3p Symbols 500 Four S3 Symbols 100 Four S3and S3p Symbols 100 Three S3 Symbols 25 Three S3 and S3p Symbols 25 MiniFive S4p Symbols Mini Progressive Award Five S4 Symbols 500 Five S4 andS4p Symbols 500 Four S4 Symbols 100 Four S4 and S4p Symbols 100 Three S4Symbols 25 Three S4 and S4p Symbols 25

The top four paying symbols, which can be denoted S1, S2, S3, and S4 forany particular base game, are listed in order of pay out level for thebase game pay table. Furthermore, progressive symbols, which can bedenoted S1 p, S2 p, S3 p, and S4 p, can be used for earning aprogressive award. The progressive awards are similarly listed in orderof pay out levels for the progressive award.

Thus for a game that has twelve distinct symbols, the top four symbolsfor the base game pay table, listed in order of pay out level, aresymbols S1, S2, S3, and S4. Based on Table 1, if three S1 symbols aredrawn, the player is awarded 100 credits. The base game may require thatthe S1 symbols be on sequential reels, such as on the first reel, thesecond reel, and the third reel.

During the feature mode in playing the feature games (e.g. a free gamefeature), if a player gets five S1 p symbols containing no wilds, thenthe player can win the progressive award. Furthermore, the S1 symbolscan substitute as wild symbols for the S1 p symbols in the free game paytable. Thus, if the player gets a pay line having five symbolscomprising S1 and S1 p symbols, then the player is awarded the grandlevel award of 5,000 credits according to the free game pay table.

The progressive symbols S1 p-S4 p can be mapped to any symbol drivengame, regardless of the game type. For instance, once the feature modeis initiated, the progressive symbols can replace symbols from the basegame. The free game can be performed using the reels from the base gamewith additional progressive symbols. Thus, the free game feature canyield awards based on the base game pay table and the progressive awardpay table.

A weighted table for each bet level and for each reel determines if asymbol (“SN”) or a progressive symbol (“SNp”) is displayed. Theprogressive symbol can be an entirely different symbol or correspond toa symbol of the base game. The only requirement may be that there is aminimum number of progressive symbols in the free game, e.g., fiveprogressive symbols. Additionally, a pay out table can have awards for amix of the base game symbols, the progressive symbols, and/or wildsymbols. Wild symbols can be substituted for one or more other symbolsto earn a payout.

In terms of the frequency for awarding pay outs, the feature game isstructured and designed with targeted progressive award amounts and anestimated duration of time or wagers between wins for each level. Thisis accomplished by using a set of mathematic probabilities calculatedagainst a pre-determined number of machines designated for the free gamefeature and the anticipated average play when deployed in the casino.

Table 2 illustrates typical targets for a feature game (e.g. a freegame).

TABLE 2 Games at Min Bet All Pay Out Hit Goal Handle to Games at Waysand Games at Level Reset [Days] Hit Min Bet Lines Max Bet Grand $300,00030 $9,600,000 48,000,000 1,920,000 192,000 Major $50,000 15 $4,800,00024,000,000 960,000 96,000 Minor $10,000 3 $960,000 4,800,000 192,00019,200 Mini $1,000 0.333 $106,560 532,800 21,312 2,131

The name and number of progressive tiers or levels can be varied. Theprogressive levels can be named a grand level, a major level, a minorlevel, and a mini level. The reset value is the minimum value that canbe won for the corresponding progressive level. The hit goal can givethe minimum number of days that the progressive level is likely to beawarded under average playing conditions, where a minimum amount ofmoney must be wagered on each gaming machine. The handle is the minimumamount of money handled by the slot machines before the progressivelevel is likely to be awarded to a player. The number of games atminimum bet indicates the number of games at a minimum bet level (whichcan be set to one credit) before for the progressive level is likely tobe awarded. Games at minimum bet all ways and lines gives the number ofgames played with all the pay lines activated before the progressivelevel award is likely to be won. The games at maximum bet states thenumber of games played at maximum bet per line before a progressive payout is likely to be awarded.

Table 3 illustrates typical parameters for the feature mode for playingthe feature game(s) (e.g. a free game).

TABLE 3 Credit Value $0.20 Min Bet Credits 1 Min Bet Credits All Waysand Lines 25 Max Bet 250 Estimated Handle [Daily/EGM] $20,000 Link Size[EGM] 16 Min Bet $0.20 Min All Ways and Lines $5.00 Max Bet $50.00Average System Handle [Daily] $320,000

The credit value of 1 credit can be 20 cents. The max bet per line canbe set at 25 credits. Thus, if there are ten possible pay lines, thenthe total max bet can be set at 250 credits. The estimate handle is theestimated handle per day for an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”)deployed on an EGM linked system. Thus, the estimated handle for eachEGM per day is 20K dollars. The link size is the number of machinesdeployed in the EGM linked system. In this example, 16 machines can bedeployed together. Thus, the average system handle (i.e., total handlefor the 16 EGMs) is 16 times 20,000, which is about 320,000 dollars.

The various stated amounts in Table 3 are merely illustrative of typicalparameters for an EGM. It is to be understood that other amounts ofmoney and various currencies can be used in conjunction with the presentinvention.

An underlying mathematical function can be employed to guarantee thelikelihood of the operating parameters stated in the tables above.Furthermore, the mathematical functions can also take into account theamount wagered by the player, such that the higher the wager, thegreater the chance for winning a progressive award.

In one embodiment, the probability for winning a progressive award canbe governed by the multiplication of the following four probabilities.

The first probability is the probability of getting into the featuremode (e.g. a free game), which is determined by the weighted reelstrips. This probability is always a fixed probability regardless ofwager since it is dependent on the number of symbols, the weight foreach of the symbols, and the number of reels.

The second probability is the probability of the reel strips for landingon the symbols S1, S2, S3, or S4. This probability is also a fixedprobability.

The third probability is the probability for converting symbols S1, S2,S3 and S4 into their progressive symbol counterparts. This probabilityis tiered against a number of pay lines or reels and bet per pay line orreel wagered. For instance, the higher the number of pay lines or reelsor bet per pay line or reel wagered, the higher the chance forprogressive symbol conversion.

During the free game, the player can draw the symbols S1-S4. The symbolsS1-S4 can be converted into their progressive symbol counterparts, i.e.,S1 p-S4 p. In an example, if a pay line tentatively draws five S1symbols, a set probability can be applied to converting each of thedrawn symbols to its progressive symbol counterpart. The probability forconverting drawn symbols can be based on the wagered amount, such thatthe greater the wager, the greater the probability of converting asymbol to its progressive symbol counterpart. Thus, a sliding scale canbe established where base game symbols can be converted to theirprogressive symbol counterparts.

The probability for conversion can be dependent on a genetic algorithm,which can be applied to gambling. In such algorithm, a scaledprobability based on wagers and the frequency of hand folds can be usedto determine the probability of an award. Thus, as the progressive awardincreases in value, the player is guaranteed to get a linear increase ofnear-misses during the free game feature. In addition, other dynamicprobability algorithms or mutative algorithms can be used fordetermining a probabilistic value for conversion of symbols to theirprogressive symbol counterparts.

The fourth probability can be the probability for S1, S2, S3, and/or S4symbols to draw in a specific sequence on a pay line or pay combination.For instance, increasing the number of lines or reels wagered canincrease the possibility of progressive eligible symbols landing inpositions within a wagered pay line or reel.

While the present invention has been described with reference to certainpreferred embodiments or methods, it is to be understood that thepresent invention is not limited to such specific embodiments ormethods. Rather, it is the inventor's contention that the invention beunderstood and construed in its broadest meaning as reflected by thefollowing claims. Thus, these claims are to be understood asincorporating not only the preferred methods described herein but allthose other and further alterations and modifications as would beapparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art.

1. A method for operating a game of chance, comprising the steps of:initiating a base game by a player; triggering a feature mode from saidbase game upon the occurrence of a first triggering event, wherein afirst number of feature games are provided in said feature mode; playingthe feature games in said feature mode, wherein each of said featuregames has an opportunity to win a progressive award; and returning tosaid base game upon the termination of the feature games.
 2. The methodof claim 1 wherein during the feature mode, two or more progressiveawards can be awarded.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein in playing thefeature games, additional feature games may be awarded.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein in the playing step, wherein for each of said featuregames, upon the occurrence of a second triggering event, the number offeature games to be played during the feature mode is increased.
 5. Themethod of claim 4 wherein the number of games to be played during thefeature mode is increased by a second number.
 6. The method of claim 4wherein the base game having a first pay table and the feature modehaving a second pay table, wherein the second pay table has a higher paylevel than the first pay table.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein thefeatures games are free.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the game ofchance having a plurality of pay lines and a plurality of reels, andwherein during the feature mode, the payout for the number of pay lineswagered is based on a dynamic probability.
 9. The method of claim 8wherein the dynamic probability is based on a genetic algorithm.
 10. Themethod of claim 8 wherein the dynamic probability is based on a mutativealgorithm.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the game of chance has aset of base symbols and a set of progressive symbols, wherein during thefeature mode, the progressive award is determined as a function of thebase symbols and the progressive symbols.
 12. A method for operating agame of chance, comprising the steps of: initiating a base game by aplayer; triggering a feature mode from said base game upon theoccurrence of a first triggering event, wherein a first number offeature games are provided in said feature mode; playing the featuregames in said feature mode, wherein each of said feature games has anopportunity to win a progressive award and wherein for each of saidfeature games, upon the occurrence of a second triggering event, thenumber of feature games to be played during the feature mode isincreased; and returning to said base game upon the termination of thefeature games, wherein during the feature mode, two or more progressiveawards and additional feature games can be awarded, and wherein the basegame having a first pay table and the feature mode having a second paytable, wherein the second pay table has a higher pay level than thefirst pay table.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the number of gamesto be played during the feature mode is increased by a second number.14. The method of claim 12 wherein the features games are free.
 15. Themethod of claim 12 wherein the game of chance having a plurality of paylines and a plurality of reels, and wherein during the feature mode, thepayout for the number of pay lines wagered is based on a dynamicprobability.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the dynamic probabilityis based on a genetic algorithm.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein thedynamic probability is based on a mutative algorithm.
 18. The method ofclaim 12 wherein the game of chance has a set of base symbols and a setof progressive symbols, wherein during the feature mode, the progressiveaward is determined as a function of the base symbols and theprogressive symbols.
 19. A method for operating a game of chance,comprising the steps of: initiating a base game by a player; triggeringa feature mode from said base game upon the occurrence of a firsttriggering event, wherein a first number of feature games are providedin said feature mode; playing the feature games in said feature mode,wherein each of said feature games has an opportunity to win aprogressive award and wherein for each of said feature games, upon theoccurrence of a second triggering event, the number of feature games tobe played during the feature mode is increased by a second number; andreturning to said base game upon the termination of the feature games,wherein during the feature mode, two or more progressive awards andadditional feature games can be awarded, wherein the base game having afirst pay table and the feature mode having a second pay table, whereinthe second pay table has a higher pay level than the first pay table,wherein the base game having a first pay table and the feature modehaving a second pay table, wherein the second pay table has a higher paylevel than the first pay table, wherein the features games are free,wherein the game of chance having a plurality of pay lines and aplurality of reels, and wherein during the feature mode, the payout forthe number of pay lines wagered is based on a dynamic probability, andwherein the game of chance has a set of base symbols and a set ofprogressive symbols, wherein during the feature mode, the progressiveaward is determined as a function of the base symbols and theprogressive symbols.
 20. The method of claim 8 wherein the dynamicprobability is based on a genetic algorithm or a mutative algorithm.